Month: November 2021

Does your child have crooked teeth? If so, you’re probably thinking about getting braces for them. But you’re curious: when is the best age to get braces for kids? 

In truth, it depends. There are a variety of factors that affect when it’s time for a child to get braces. We’re going to discuss those factors and more now! 

What Is the Typical Age to Get Braces for Kids?

First, let’s discuss the typical age range for kids to get braces. Generally speaking, a child will get braces between the ages of 10 and 14. This is after the baby teeth have fallen out, and after most of the adult teeth have grown in. 

Now, there can be some wiggle room here. For instance, some children can get braces as early as 8 years old, while others have to wait until they’re 15 or 16. However, in general, 10 to 14 is the range to aim for. 

Factors That Affect the Age at Which a Child Should Get Braces

As was noted above, there are a number of factors that can affect the age at which a child should get braces. We’ll review those factors in detail below. 

The Arrival of Adult Teeth

Generally speaking, it’s best to initiate orthodontic treatment after all of the adult teeth have grown in. This is because, without having all of the adult teeth in place, it can be difficult to determine the manner in which the teeth should be straightened. As was stated, most children have had all of their adult teeth come in between the ages of 10 and 14. 

Impending Adult Teeth That Could Lead to Issues

In some cases, it’s wise to provide a child with braces prior to all of their adult teeth coming in. This is because, in these scenarios, there’s a risk of an impending tooth growing in a manner in which it will disturb existing teeth. By applying braces before the tooth bursts, you can guide it and ensure that it doesn’t do any damage. 

To determine whether this might be a problem for your child, you should see an orthodontist after your child’s baby teeth have fallen out. Your orthodontist will take x-rays of your child’s teeth and gums, helping to gauge future tooth growth. A plan of action will then be built. 

Jaw Misalignments

Another factor that could affect the age at which a child gets braces is whether or not the child has a jaw misalignment. If a child’s jaw is misaligned, orthodontic treatment will generally be started earlier as a means of correcting the jaw’s positioning. This can be vital down the road, as it helps ensure that the adult teeth grow without issue. 

Protruding Teeth

If your child has teeth that protrude to an extreme degree, your orthodontist might deem it necessary to have them straightened before all of the other adult teeth grow in. This is done to prevent damage to the protruding teeth, which are vulnerable in their current position. 

Consequences of Not Getting Braces at the Correct Age

Now, you might be wondering whether there are any consequences for not getting braces at the correct age. The answer is yes, there are, though they’re generally fairly mild. They include the following. 

Greater Difficulty in Straightening the Teeth

Perhaps the biggest consequence of not getting braces at the appropriate age is that it makes it more difficult to straighten the teeth. You can get braces at any age. However, they’re most effective when children are between the ages of 10 and 14. 

This is because, at these ages, the teeth have just grown in, and are still quite malleable. The further you get past these ages, the more the teeth set, and the longer it takes to reposition them. 

So, if you want the orthodontic process to go as quickly as possible, have your child get braces between the ages of 10 and 14. 

Undesirable Aesthetics

The fact of the matter is that the state of a person’s teeth is integral to their overall appearance. As such, getting braces past the ideal age range can subject the patient to undesirable aesthetics. 

This works in two facets. The first facet is that the patient has crooked teeth throughout their adolescence, a time at which self-consciousness is at its peak. The second facet is that the patient has braces as an adult, which, while not completely unusual, could affect the way that others look at the patient. 

Braces are expected on young teenagers. So, if you want your child to fit in aesthetically, it’s best for them to get braces between the ages of 10 and 14. 

Increased Risk of Dental Problems

Crooked teeth aren’t just an aesthetic problem. They can have real consequences as it pertains to overall dental health. 

For instance, crooked teeth are more difficult to brush between. As such, they tend to trap plaque and bacteria over long periods of time. This can result in undue tooth decay. 

In addition, crooked teeth can affect a person’s bite. When the bite comes down incorrectly time and time again, it can lead to chronic pain, including tooth, mouth, and jaw (TMJ) issues. 

Tooth breakage is a risk as well. Again, this has to do with an uneven bite. 

So, if you want to protect your child’s teeth as much as possible, you should make sure they get braces between the ages of 10 and 14. 

Does Your Child Need Braces Treatments?

Does your child have crooked or misaligned teeth? Need dental treatment to help realign them? If so, and if you’re in the Provo, Utah area, look no further than Edge Orthodontics.

We’re Provo’s leader in braces for kids. Offering only the best of orthodontic dental care, we’ll have your child’s smile perfected in no time. 

Contact us now to schedule an appointment! 

Who doesn’t want a bright, dazzling smile? Straight teeth are associated with beauty, youth, and even intelligence. Unfortunately, many people hold back on orthodontics because they worry about how much adult braces cost.

If you have questions about how much various types of braces cost then you’re in luck. We’ll explore cost factors for adults of all ages. 

How Much Do Adult Braces Cost?

Braces range from around $3,000 to $10,000. If you use traditional metal braces, you’ll need to work with an orthodontist. Your orthodontist will attach metal brackets and wires that gradually pull your teeth into better alignment. 

The team at Edge Orthodontics offers a wide range of expertise in pediatric, adolescent, and adult orthodontic care. Working with a trusted orthodontist has many advantages. Traditional braces can correct a wide range of misalignment issues.

Braces for adults and teens now include clear aligner options. Clear aligners are invisible trays that fit snuggly over your teeth. Each successive tray nudges teeth into better alignment. If you are unsure which option is right for you, Dr. Christiansen will be glad to explain both options in detail. 

Cost Factors

The price range for braces may seem considerable. Dr. Christiansen will have to consider many factors when determining a treatment plan (and price) for you. These cost factors may include:

• The type of braces you use
• Whether you use traditional braces or clear aligners
• How many visits to our office you’ll require
• The duration of your treatment timeline

Undergoing braces as an adult doesn’t necessarily cost more or less than treatments for teenagers. Adults of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment. 

Does Insurance Cover Braces?

Here’s a question we frequently hear: Does insurance pay for braces?

It’s understandable to assume that dental insurance covers or subsidizes any treatment related to treating teeth. Most dental insurance plans are intended to cover restorative and preventative treatments. Dental cleanings and exams are examples of preventative treatments that are often covered by dental insurance.

Most people who elect to have braces do so for cosmetic reasons. Because of the cosmetic nature of braces, you’ll want to carefully check with your insurance provider to see what may or may not be covered. A good insurance policy may cover some portions of the treatment, but don’t expect all of the cost to be covered.

What you are typically looking for is “orthodontic coverage” for adults. If you aren’t sure if your insurance plan covers any of the treatment cost, a member of our team will be glad to call your dental insurance provider to find out for you. 

Tips for Making Braces Affordable

With a little bit of planning and research, you can make getting braces affordable. Payments plans, discounts, and HSAs are just a few cost-saving options you can explore. 

Payment Plans

Many dental offices offer payment plans for braces. The monthly payments break up the total cost of treatment into equal payments. Often, the payments are automatically drafted each month.

If you aren’t sure if a dental office offers payment plans, it never hurts to ask. Dental teams are commonly asked about payment plans and discounts.

Watch for Discounts

Follow your dental office’s social media or search the social media sites of local dental or orthodontic offices. Often, dentists and orthodontists will run promotional specials that could knock a few hundred dollars off the price of your treatment. Websites are another great source for finding discounts.

Health Savings Accounts

Find out if your job offers health savings accounts. The specialized accounts allow you to withdraw money without tax penalties if the procedure is medical-related. Some employers even pay into the accounts. 

Be Open-Minded About Treatment Options

As we mentioned earlier, the price of orthodontic treatment options varies widely. One way you can save money is by being flexible about which type of treatment option you go with.

In some cases, clear aligners may offer a quicker treatment timeline. Or, you may decide you can live with traditional metal braces instead of ceramic braces. Each treatment will leave you with a more beautiful smile, so don’t overthink how you get there.

Follow Your Treatment Guidelines Carefully

Once your treatment starts, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t increase the cost of treatment. Minor adjustments are expected. If you continually break brackets and archwires, for example, you may incur additional costs.

The same goes for clear aligners. Losing a pair of clear aligners could mean that you have to pay out of pocket to replace those lost aligners. Plus, your treatment timeline may be extended.

As you begin treatment, Dr. Christiansen will give you clear advice on how to maintain and care for your braces or aligners. Buying a mouthguard container, for example, can help you prevent losing your aligners.

Good oral hygiene habits can also save you money. Braces can leave your teeth vulnerable to decay and gum disease if you aren’t careful to clean your traditional braces or clear aligners as well as your teeth every day. Remember, best practices for oral hygiene include brushing at least twice a day and flossing regularly. 

Schedule Your Orthodontic Consultation Today

There’s no way to put a price on a beautiful smile. Straight teeth can leave you feeling more self-confident. An attractive smile can even help your professional career. 

The average adult braces cost several thousand dollars, but there are a variety of treatment options. At Edge Orthodontics, we understand that cost factors can be a barrier. Give us a call today so we can explore ways to make undergoing orthodontic treatment affordable.